Sports Betting/Gambling

Disordered gambling is a highly cognitive condition. Despite the need for additional treatments and the likelihood that these will emerge, based upon current empirical evidence, CBT is the primary psychotherapeutic modality for the treatment of disordered gambling; currently, it also is the most broadly utilized primary counseling modality that is supported by randomized controlled clinical trials demonstrating efficacy and improved clinical outcomes (Bujod et al., 1994; Sylvain et al., 1997). The goal of CBT for gambling is to identify and change “cognitive distortions and errors” that are associated with intemperate gambling and its adverse sequelae. For example, beliefs in an eventual big win, being unrealistically lucky, superstitious behavior, as well as selective and distorted memory are characteristics of cognitive distortions that often are associated with disordered gambling (e.g., Ladouceur et al., 2002; Ladouceur & Walker, 1998). Perceptions of self include how money links to self-esteem, social status and power. The “illusion of control” over gambling outcomes is a core cognition that influences disordered gamblers. This sense that one has the “omnipotent skill” necessary to beat the odds is an enduring characteristic of pathological gamblers. Finally, CBT attends to the effect of gambling on others and attempts to minimize the negative impact on family, work and personal finance. Ladouceur and colleagues at Laval University in Quebec (Bujod et al., 1994; Ladouceur et al., 2002; Ladouceur et al., 1998; Ladouceur & Walker, 1998; Sylvain et al., 1997) have developed a treatment program model based on cognitive behavioral principles that includes four components: (a) correcting cognitive distortions about gambling; (b) developing problem solving skills; (c) teaching social skills; and (d) teaching relapse prevention. These key CBT techniques central to gamblers are outlined below.